Daylight saving time nears

Fresh batteries in home smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors can be lifesavers in a fire emergency, and firefighters use the change to daylight saving time as an easy way to remember to replace batteries in the devices at least once a year.

“Eighty percent of child fire fatalities occur in homes without working smoke alarms,” said Columbia Fire Marshal Anthony Davis. “It’s a tragic statistic that could be reduced by adopting the simple habit of the ‘Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery’ program.”

The International Association of Fire Chiefs also recommends that home smoke alarms be replaced every 10 years. To help with that, the Columbia Fire Department, working with the State Fire Marshal’s Office, is offering a limited number of free smoke alarms to city residents.

To request one and schedule free installation, call (931) 560-1700 during normal business hours.

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